{
  "id": 14567435,
  "title": "Loyalty can outweigh competence in Chief Justice selection – Bentil",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/14/loyalty-can-outweigh-competence-in-chief-justice-selection-bentil",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-14T22:41:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "MyJoyOnline Ghana",
    "slug": "myjoyonline-ghana",
    "url": "https://www.myjoyonline.com/loyalty-can-outweigh-competence-in-chief-justice-selection-bentil/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Vice President of Imani Africa, Kofi Bentil, has stated that loyalty can potentially outweigh competence when a President selects a Chief Justice. While speaking on Joy News’ PM Express, Bentil emphasized that professional ability remains crucial, but political factors can influence the final decision when candidates are all qualified. He explained that in a situation where all candidates are competent, the boss will choose someone who is also loyal. This observation comes as Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie is set to retire in December 2026, leaving the need for a successor. The Judicial Service has verified that Baffoe-Bonnie's term ends in December. When asked whether competence should take precedence, Bentil acknowledged the challenges the judiciary is currently facing but claimed that at that level, it is not solely about competence. He clarified that the potential candidates are all fully capable, and the President will select a choice that he finds comfortable. Bentil stressed that the President's personal comfort with a candidate could become decisive. He added that selecting a candidate with only a few years left before retirement could provide the President with additional opportunities to make appointments during his remaining time in power. This strategic move could enhance the President's political leverage. Although Bentil presented this as a potential option for the President, he did not predict the President's action. The selection should aim to bolster public confidence in the judiciary, Bentil argued. He believed that the best outcome would be a candidate who exudes confidence in the judiciary. Bentil expressed his preference for a candidate whose suitability enjoys broad consensus among lawyers, judges, and the public. He admitted that reaching such a consensus would be challenging, but he had confidence in the quality of the available candidates. Bentil concluded that the President will undoubtedly make a good choice, given the high caliber of candidates, but the ultimate decision is his.",
  "summary": "Lawyer and Vice President of Imani Africa, Kofi Bentil, says loyalty can outweigh competence when a President chooses a Chief Justice.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "MyJoyOnline Ghana",
        "title": "Picking Chief Justices nearing retirement could give Mahama immense power – Bentil",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/14/picking-chief-justices-nearing-retirement-could-give-mahama-immense",
        "published": "2026-10-14T23:42:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}